There are a surprising number of sports-based reality television shows out there. Though not all last long, many stand out as the best of the bunch.
When most people think about reality television, their minds go to high drama, situations that come across as possibly scripted, and over-the-top moments. Sports aren't something you always connect to the genre but there have actually been plenty of reality series based around various sports across the globe.
These shows tend to come in all sorts of styles, ranging from documentaries about athletes to competition series with a grand prize at the end. A few of them missed the mark with audiences but there were still plenty that fans appreciated, which rank among the best to ever be part of the reality TV landscape.
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If it has to do with Sylvester Stallone and boxing, you can be sure that people will appreciate it. That was the case when The Contender premiered in 2005, as the series centered on the sport. It followed a group of boxers competing in an elimination competition.
Along with the actual in-ring events, the personal lives of the boxers were delved into. Stallone hosted the inaugural season with Sugar Ray Leonard, with Tony Danza also taking over for a bit. The show was mostly well-received and lasted four seasons before getting revived years later for a fifth.
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Pro wrestling might not be considered a true sport by many but it is listed as sports entertainment. WWE tried their hand at reality TV with Tough Enough, where aspiring wrestlers could compete for a chance to win a contract with the company, including some that were worth up to $1 million.
While the show has been seen as entertaining over the years, it didn't have much success with winners. Only one winner (John Morrison) has gone on to have a pretty major career, though several losers have done very well, including The Miz, who recently appeared on Dancing with the Stars.
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It might not be the most physically demanding sport in the world but golf is still beloved and difficult to play. The Golf Channel premiered their reality competition show in 2003 with The Big Break, which had a similar premise to that of WWE's Tough Enough.
The show allowed hopeful golfers the chance to earn their way onto selected tours where they could compete against the pros. The Big Break included appearances by many former golfers and lasted over a decade. Seasons included USA vs. Europe, Disney Golf, All-Stars, and some in incredible locations.
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Football athletes everywhere know what "two-a-days" are. When getting in shape for a new season, teams or players will do these, which is when you train twice a day, though they were eliminated by the NFL in 2011. Years prior though, a reality show was made named after the concept.
Two-a-Days aired on MTV and wasn't just a case of following a team during their training sessions. Instead, it centered on a team from Hoover High School in Alabama, showcasing their personal lives along with the on-the-field stuff. Fans got invested in the players and coach, while an early episode even saw them play against future NFL player Tim Tebow.
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It seems like American Ninja Warrior is the kind of reality show that has taken the world by storm. It's not one that focuses on traditional sports but follows more of a sports entertainment road similar to WWE. The show sees contestants go through a difficult obstacle course.
Fans show up live to watch these tough athletes give it their best shot and get to see some truly remarkable performances. Some American Ninja Warrior winners like Kacy Catanzaro have gone on to find success elsewhere (she signed with WWE) and it was gripping to watch celebrities like Stephen Amell and Ne-Yo give it a shot.
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There are people out there who doubt how tough it is to be a professional dancer or cheerleader. That's part of what makes Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team such an intriguing series as audiences watch various women audition to make the squad.
Cheerleading is a big part of NFL games and the team for the Dallas Cowboys is iconic, so joining them is a huge honor. The show features hundreds of women trying out and since the team doesn't totally change annually, viewers can get attached to certain people. It's clearly popular as it is still running today, 15 years after debuting.
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Athletes aren't always great at transitioning to television roles but Shaquille O'Neal mastered it. In fact, he might be a better on-screen personality than he was a basketball player and he's one of the greatest to ever step foot on a court. Giving him a reality series was a no-brainer.
The premise behind Shaq Vs. was simple enough as O'Neal took on other athletes or celebrities and tried to beat them at their best. That meant facing Albert Pujols in a home run derby or Michael Phelps at swimming (with handicaps, of course). The show was fun but Shaq's only wins came in competitive eating against Charles Barkley.
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In terms of pure concept, there was something brilliant about Pros vs. Joes. Often, you hear sports fans chastise the professionals and act (and even think) like they can do the job better than them. Pros vs. Joes told those fans to put their money where their mouth was.
The show allowed average Joes to compete against pro athletes in the sports they're famous for. That was instantly engaging to viewers, seeing brash folks get shut up and even sometimes hoping for an upset. Dennis Rodman, Jerry Rice, Bo Jackson, Wade Boggs, and Kurt Angle are just a few athletes who appeared.
Stream On ESPN+
Considering the massive rise in popularity of mixed martial arts, a reality show focused on it is an ideal decision. The Ultimate Fighter, produced by UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) follows a similar setup to a lot of other sports reality series.
It sees many MMA fighters living and training together with the goal of earning a six-figure contract from UFC. The hard-hitting fights, relationships between the athletes, and actions of the pro coaches have all helped the show remain a hit. It has bounced around networks, currently airing on ESPN+, and is nearing season 30.
Stream On HBO Max
The world of an NFL team can be one of the most interesting you'll find anywhere. That's what makes Hard Knocks such a must-see show. Each season follows an NFL team during the preseason as fans get to dig deeper into the lives of players and learn about some who are trying to make the team.
Not only is the show interesting on its own but it becomes even better since it gives you a reason to get invested in preseason games that might not mean as much otherwise. Combine the NFL personalities, HBO production values, and Liev Schrieber's narration, and you've got a winner that has been on the air for two decades.
